Education is a transformative journey where the path we choose exerts a profound influence on our ultimate success.
A streamed class is like an express locomotive: swift, efficient, and filled with eager passengers zooming towards their educational destination. Meanwhile, an unstreamed class resembles a motley group of hikers who accidentally wandered onto the wrong trail, stumbling and bickering as they struggle to find their way. Imagine the express locomotive of streamed classes, full of students lounging in plush seats, indulging in gourmet meals, and admiring breathtaking views from a luxurious observation deck. They have it all - the resources, the support, and the perfect learning environment. Now, let's contrast that with our motley crew of hikers. They're weighed down by massive backpacks, stumbling over rocks, and wearing mismatched socks. One hiker even has a map upside down, leading everyone in circles. It's a hilarious sight, but not exactly a recipe for academic success. So, let's ditch the hiking boots and hop aboard the train of streamed classes. All aboard the express train of academically streamed classes - where learning is unique and engaging.
As a year 9 student venturing into the world of streamed classes for the first time, I am thrilled to discover the immense benefits they offer. Streamed classes have proven to be a remarkable educational journey. This tailored approach has undoubtedly enhanced my academic growth and instilled in me a sense of confidence and enthusiasm for learning. However, if streamed classes had been introduced in Year 7 and Year 8, the benefits would have been even more profound for students like me. Commencing streamed classes at an earlier stage in our educational journey would have enabled us to establish a robust foundation for the future.
Academic streaming benefits every student, regardless of their cognitive abilities. By grouping students based on their academic level, we create a harmonious symphony of learning. Tailoring classes to match students' abilities allows them to dive deep into learning at their own pace. It fosters an environment of encouragement and motivation, reducing stress and frustration. Streaming eliminates the demoralising effects of age-based grouping, promotes equity, and propels every student towards their full potential. Empirical research conducted by esteemed institutions such as the University of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology unequivocally supports that academic streaming cultivates an environment of support, effectively alleviating stress, and minimising frustration. Why settle for a one-size-fits-all approach when we can embrace academic streaming and unleash brilliance? Let's create classrooms where learning becomes an exhilarating adventure tailored to each student. So, unite with us on the journey towards a brighter and more inclusive future.
Academically streamed classes also create mini ecosystems mirroring real world workplaces, promoting connections between students of different ages and abilities. These interactions cultivate maturity, emotional intelligence, and a range of skills crucial for future opportunities. Moreover, academic performance sees significant improvements, allowing students to align their achievements with their true potential and experience holistic growth. In fact, experts writing for the Oxford Review of Education confirm that students in academically advanced and multi-age classrooms exhibit positive attitudes towards school, enhanced leadership skills, and reduced aggression tendencies. Now, who's ready to raise the bar and take their education to the next level? Don't be shy; this train is departing soon, and you don't want to miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!
Let us embrace academically streamed classes, where learning becomes an exhilarating adventure tailored to each student. Together, we can create an inclusive educational environment where every individual can thrive. It's time to elevate education to new heights of excellence.
- By Taj Khan, Year 9 TGS student
References:
Angrist, J., Cohodes, S., Dynarski, S. M., Pathak, P. A., & Walters, C. R. (2019). Why Academically Streamed Classes are Important?
Vignoles, A., & Kirby, P. (2009). The Effects of Streaming in Secondary Schools: Evidence from the National Child Development Study. Oxford Review of Education, 35(3), 293-308.
Latest Blog
Erik Sheppard - making TGS Army Cadet Unit history
The 2024 Dining in Night was made even more special with the appointment of the first Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (TGS ACU) Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Erik Sheppard who was awarded his rank and pace stick by the 16th Battalion Commanding officer MAJ (AAC) Gary MacLachlan. WO1 Sheppard enlisted in the TGS ACU just before the COVID shutdown in 2020. Although this was not the ideal way to begin a cadet career, he was able to adapt and overcome the virtual…
The Big Six Reading Tips
Unlocking Literacy - The Big Six Elements for Your Child’s Reading Success Literacy skills are a core component of each day for our students, and parents often ask how they can support this from home. I am delighted to share with our parent community the essential components that underpin successful reading development. These elements, known as the Big Six, provide a solid foundation for your son’s literacy journey. These critical building blocks include: Oral Language: Communication skills are…
Boarding - Building Men of Good Character
Over the past five years, we have found one of the most valuable lessons that boarding can teach teenage boys is the ability to self-navigate and overcome challenges. Entering a boarding house is the first time many boarders have stepped away from the comfort and security of their parents and guardians. Although this can be a daunting experience, one of the things that this unfamiliarity creates is the ability to organise yourself. With a larger workload than previous years, a greater number…
The Learning Pit
Learning is at our core and covers all subject disciplines, co-curricular pursuits, personal development and interest areas. Helping our Toowoomba Grammar School boys view learning as a disposition that goes well beyond the classroom context is incredibly important. Learning has a life-long value in all we do. We also acknowledge that learning can be challenging at times, and it can be uncomfortable, but also wonderfully inspiring and fulfilling. Appreciating the full range of feelings and…
Leap Before You Look
The boarding journey offers students a plethora of opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone and take advantage of new environments, relationships, and opportunities during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. We often talk about “character education” – a theory that originated in the US and has been increasingly embraced by leading schools globally. It is encouraging all students to develop new approaches to their learning, including aspects of morals and ethics, thinking,…
Literacy at TGS: A research-informed approach
A recent Grattan Institute report has shared that one-third of Australian students are failing to learn to read proficiently, referring to the situation as a ‘preventable tragedy’. In addition, the report identifies evidence-based approaches utilising structured literacy programs with phonics and explicit instruction as the most effective methods of teaching literacy. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we implement a structured synthetic phonics approach to teaching spelling and reading that…
Past Mothers, Present Supporters
Any Old Boy will tell you the Blue and Gold is part of their blood. They love the history, the traditions, the memories, and the lifelong friends they made during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. Well, it seems the same can be said for many TGS mums. The Past Mothers’ Group was formed in 1979 by Mrs Mary Campbell who contacted as many past mothers as she could and invited them to meet at her home where the Past Mothers’ Group was officially formed with the intention of retaining links…
The TGS Interact Club - the Reward for Work Well Done
The Interact Club successfully raised over $10,000 last year for charities and services on a local, statewide and international scale through the hard work and commitment of its members. With these funds, the Interact Club has donated Backpack Blankets to Toowoomba's homeless, helped AEIOU's efforts in supporting children with autism, contributed to the "Are You Bogged Mate?" campaign for rural mental health and raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As well as many other individual…
A Question of Character
In an age bursting with technological innovations and an overwhelming abundance of information, the present era appears to be characterised by a swift and unrelenting pace of change. Our society, young and old alike, finds itself constantly bombarded with provocative and sensationalist narratives. The media floods our consciousness with constant streams of global dilemmas, highlighting the flaws of our leaders, uncovering corporate or political scandals, and bringing conflicts and tragedies…
